Drivers warned of charity motorbike convoy

A convoy of riders and pillion passengers will follow a 25-mile route to raise money for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity

Drivers are being advised to allow more time for journeys when a convoy of about 3,500 motorcyclists takes to the roads in Shropshire.

The Bike4Life Ride Out and Festival, attended by former World Superbike champion Carl Fogarty, will see riders travelling on a 25-mile route starting from Meole Brace, Shrewsbury, at 10:30 BST on Sunday.

They will follow the A5, M54 and A41 to the event's home at Weston Park to raise money for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and there will be traffic restrictions from 10:20 for up to two hours.

National Highways said it advised anyone due to travel through the area to avoid the times of the ride out if possible or set off early and allow extra time.

There will be traffic restrictions at Meole Brace roundabout if travelling from Sainsbury's.

All eastbound movements will be stopped at A5 Dobbies, A5 Emstrey and A5 Preston Boats roundabouts.

There will also be closures of the eastbound entry slip roads on the M54 at junctions 7, 6, 5 and 4 and no traffic movements other than the motorcycles at junction 3 and the A41 northbound as far as the junction with Offoxey Road until the ride out clears.

The ride finishes at Weston Park, Shifnal

The convoy will be led by a National Highways traffic officer vehicle and junctions will be reopened as soon as the convoy has passed.

Attendees will also include former professional motorcycle racer in the British Superbike and World Superbike championships James Whitham and Happy Mondays dancer and DJ Bez.

National Highways senior network planner David Patmore said so many bikes heading down the motorway and into the festival "is quite the sight and one we are happy to support as we see the vital work Midlands Air Ambulance Charity does".